Theresa Fischer

November 18, 1929 - April 17, 2026

Theresa Gaffney Daly Fischer passed away peacefully at home on April 17, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on November 18, 1929 in Houston, Texas, Theresa Victorine Gaffney was the youngest of Florence (Roberts) and Nicholas Gaffney’s seven children. She was a proud graduate of Incarnate Word Academy.

On Sept 10, 1955 she married John Patrick Daly, with whom she had 3 daughters. After John’s sudden death in 1964, Theresa took over his successful home-building business, while caring for her three young daughters. With quiet determination, she quickly learned to navigate the challenges of operating a growing business in the traditional “man’s world” of the 1960’s.

Theresa persevered and never shrank from challenges. In November 1968, she married James E. “Jim” Fischer, who had fourteen children of his own. Together, they raised their blended family with love and dedication. Theresa and Jim worked together on the successful auto parts and other business ventures, using their success to support and enrich family life for their seventeen children. Their hard work provided opportunities for a good education, and they encouraged a strong work ethic. Over the years, they enjoyed taking their children on numerous family vacations, hosting the family for most holidays, and supporting several charities and Catholic schools. Theresa remained a loving and devoted wife for 54 years, until Jim’s death at 100 years old in December 2022.

Theresa was a beloved and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend. Her presence was soft, elegant, and full of warmth. She had a special way of making people feel comfortable, welcomed, loved, and accepted. She was often the “sunshine in the morning” by greeting people with her signature “Good morning, sunshine” and her beautiful blue eyes. Beneath her grace, gentle spirit, and warm smile was extraordinary strength. She cared deeply for those she loved and became a role model to many -- endearingly nicknamed “Mother Theresa”.

Theresa was preceded in death by her husbands, John P. Daly and James E. Fischer; her parents, Nicholas & Florence (Roberts) Gaffney; her brother, T.J. Gaffney; her sisters: Gertrude Haw, Florine “Curley” Purcell, Florence Mazzagatti, Rose Marie Holmes, and Mary Louise Purcell; her daughter Roberta Fischer; her son-in-law William Baskin Sr.; and her grandson-in-law Charlie O’Hara.

She is survived by her daughters Phyllis Carney (Tom), Patricia Taake (Leon), Frances Weatherly (Chris), Cathy Neill (Bill), Joyce Daly Lehotsky (Ed), Nancy Daly Knepp (Jeff), Laura Fischer, Janet Daly Baskin, Theresa LeJeune (Fred), Dorene Fox (Carroll), Janet Stasney (Mark); and sons, John Fischer (Ruth), James Fischer (Rosie), Steve Fischer (Debbie), Gary Fischer (Phuong), Dave Fischer (Lisa); as well as 42 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank our dedicated group of caregivers from Compassionate Home-Care Services and St. Clare Home Care: Lyra, Lucy, Liberty, Princess, Lea, Marilyn, Lorie, Cynthia, Rose, Mercy, Jonalyn, Bing, Audrey, Nik, Joseph, and Raymond who became Theresa’s friends and helped her enjoy life while remaining fit, mobile and comfortable for over 4 years.

Theresa will be deeply missed by those who knew her. Her memory will continue to live on in the hearts of the hundreds of people she touched with her love, wisdom, and unwavering faith in God.

In lieu of usual remembrances, contributions can be made in Theresa’s memory to St. John Paul II Catholic School, St. John XXIII College Preparatory, St. Thomas High School, or a charity of your choice.

https://www.jp2.org/giving/endowment/fischerendowment

https://sj23.info/Memorials

https://www.sths.org/support/fundraising

Visitation will be held at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77077, US, on April 29, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will take place at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 11720 Joan of Arc Dr, Houston, TX 77024, US, on April 30, 2026, at 10:30 am.

A Committal Service will be held at Forest Park Lawndale, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston, TX 77023, US, on April 30, 2026, at 2:00 pm, and the final resting place will be Forest Park Lawndale, 6900 Lawndale Street, Houston.